Trulli started his Formula1 career as a test driver for
Benetton, a team he still has ties to, before making his debut at the 1997 Australian
Grand Prix with Minardi. He didn't stay a full season with the Italian outfit, however,
and finished his first year as a full time Formula1 driver at Prost, as a replacement for
the injured Olivier Panis.

He did well enough to accquire a full time drive with Prost in 1998, but his second season
(in 1999) with the French team was not a great success. However, in September he managed
his best result ever when he finished second at the European Grand Prix.

It was not enough to persuade him to stay with the team and he moved to Jordan full of
hope for more regular visits to the podium. It was not to be, unfortunately, as the outfit
encountered a number of reliability glitches that kept Trulli out of the spotlight.
Despite two impressive qualifying performances, second in Monaco and Belgium, he was not
able to better his career best result. Encouragingly though, he was able to match
experienced team mate, Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

The Italian is still regarded as a great unfulfilled talent, and is looking forward to
proving his supporters right in 2001 with a better placing in the drivers' league and some
visits to the podium.

Career Highlights

2000

First year with Jordan. Finishes 10th
with 6 points in the drivers' championship.

1999

Best
result of his career, when he comes second in the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.
He picks up 6 points for Prost in his first podium finish. Ends the season 11th in the
table.

1998

Came in
sixth at Belgium with Prost to get onto the title board - just.

1997

Makes
his F1 debut in Australia with Minardi, finishing 9th, and earns three points for his 4th
place in Germany later in the year. Transfers from Minardi to Prost in mid-season as a
replacement for Olivier Panis.